Oldest national park ranger in United States retires at 100 years old

Betty Reid Soskin, the country’s oldest national park ranger, retired last week from Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park at age 100.

Soskin became a permanent employee of the National Park Service in 2011, providing interpretive visits to the public about the experience of living through World War II on the home front. 

“Betty has made a profound impact on the National Park Service and the way we carry out our mission,” said NPS Director Chuck Sams. Soskin helped relay the experience of African Americans during WWII.

“I am grateful for her lifelong dedication to sharing her story and wish her all the best in retirement,” said Sams. “Her efforts remind us that we must seek out and give space for all perspectives so that we can tell a more full and inclusive history of our nation. Congratulations, Betty!”

Soskin is grateful for the time she has spent with NPS. “To be a part of helping to mark the place where that dramatic trajectory of my own life, combined with others of my generation, will influence the future by the footprints we’ve left behind has been incredible,” Soskin said.